One of the most important things a good Airbnb host can do is to keep their calendar availability for their space updated. As a host, you are always in control of who can stay in your space. With updated information, keeping the calendar and listing information up to date increases the likelihood of receiving reservation requests that you will be able to accommodate. You can also use availability settings to block off time between bookings or prevent same day requests or distant reservations. If you set a minimum or maximum stay, you will only receive requests that match your preferences.

As a traveler, being rejected is discouraging. If you decline an excessive number of reservation requests, your listing may be temporarily deactivated.

Communication is essential between host and guests. Every time a guest reaches out, even if you do not have a reservation with them, this data goes into calculating your response rate, which posts publicly on your profile. To maintain your response rate, continue to respond to booking inquiries and reservation requests within 24 hours. If a potential guest does not match up with your hosting style or what your listing offers, decline the reservation request promptly. This will allow the guest to find a better suited accommodation elsewhere.

Even if your guests will be staying in your home or apartment alone, be sure to remain available throughout their stay. The guests will have a chance to rate your clarity and consistency of communication and the average of these ratings appears on your public listing page.